Given how hot headed people get over politics, it seems the Georgia State Capitol would be as good a place as any to carry your gun for self protection.

But that’s just not safe, it it? Metal detectors are at the door of the capitol and guns are not allowed. It’s perplexing that the Second Amendment is more sacred in a honky tonk bar than in the state capitol, where the amendment is defended so passionately.

What seems clear is that the recently passed legislation, which opens the doors for more guns in public settings, including bars, is not about safety. It’s about identity. The gun has an almost religious resonance, because it goes beyond the obvious firepower and is also a symbolic instrument. For so many, the gun is man’s most tangible representation of self reliance. You carry a gun and you protect yourself from harm. You don’t rely on any cop to do it for you. You have the power of death at your hip. It is more than a personal-safety device. It is family tradition. It is hunting. It is recreation. It is a prayer against bumps in the night. It is deeply ingrained in the identity of millions of people. This is not to be laughed at or ridiculed. It is a long-standing part of this culture. And it is serious and sincere. That’s what much of the country seems to overlook. For so many in Georgia, the love of guns is a fundamental part of a do-it-yourself mindset.

So, year after year, lawmakers in this state fall all over themselves to pay homage to this common ethic. It is politically advantageous for them to pass more and more laws that ultimately make the nation scoff. But the more the nation raises its eyebrows, the more state politicians smile. In an identity war, it’s important to stand out. It’s a way to say, “Sorry folks, this is just who we are. And we’re really proud of it.”

But I find myself on the flip side emotionally on guns. While I own a gun, I don’t love them. I hold mine and think hard about death. I don’t really enjoy that. Some people speak with a thrill in their voice about killing someone breaking into their home or threatening them in some way. Over the years, I’ve spoken with a number of people whose “what if” gun confrontations seem like enjoyable daydreams. I just don’t share this. I’d hate that moment. Snuffing out a human life, even justifiably, would be a haunting encounter.

When I think of the recently signed bill, I truly feel the relentless political push to expand gun laws at all costs has taken the feel of idolatry, with the gun as sacred symbol, representing an individual’s feeling of power over death.

I think this is an unfortunate form of governance. Instead, I would prefer that legislators think more like insurance actuaries, weighing risks. Lawmakers can’t keep everyone safe. No one is ever truly safe, no matter how much we wish it so. But laws can increase or decrease the odds of tragedy. We have metal detectors at our county courthouse for this very reason. Those detectors certainly don’t eliminate all risk, but the fact that guns are discouraged in that public setting lowers the possibility that someone flies off the handle and shoots someone. The conflict that could end in gunshots might instead end with fists, since a hot head doesn’t have his gun.

Lawmakers also recognize this. That’s why they will keep such metal detectors at the state capitol and many other government buildings. It’s sensible. But what’s crazy is for lawmakers to encourage more guns in bars, where many men are taking whiskey shots and competing for the affections of women. What in the world? You don’t think a number of fistfights will turn to murder as more guns are mixed with Tequila shots? You don’t think the body count will rise?

No doubt, there are countless hypotheticals presented by both sides of the argument. The truth is, no hypothetical sways anyone until they’re hit in the face with a personal reality. This is how we’re wired. But I’m not comforted by more guns around my family when we leave the house. I never want to see students encouraged to carry guns on college campuses. I say this as a former college student who had a couple of episodes of cry-I’m-so-mad rage. I was young and emotional at times. I definitely didn’t need a gun on my hip, but I was a law-abiding citizen, a “good guy,” I suppose. I feel encouraging beer-soaked gun toting is a wildly reckless legislative move. The argument is always made about “good guys with guns” versus “bad guys with guns.” But I find this overly simplistic. A lot of shooters never had a record. Isn’t everyone a good guy until he’s not?

I’ll be pleased when the politicians get through the phase of playing identity politics with guns and focusing instead on actual public safety. But I’m not certain when, or if, that will happen — and, worse, what horror it would take to reach that point.

A thoughtful, well-reasoned editorial outlining the emotions involved in gun ownership and the consequences of the proliferation. The issue has become one of one-ups-manship for legislators. They are enacting laws for students and church-goers who don't need or want them.

While I'm glad the Gov. expanded the places where WE can carry our handguns BUT he left it up to each place if they want to allow guns there? I didn't think it was against the law to carry a gun in a church if you had a permit UNTIL NOW. BUT every church will have to decide if they want to allow guns or not? I NEVER carried a gun in church OUT OF RESPECT TO GOD not because it was against the law BUT I don't think allowing guns in bars is a very smart ideal? I mean look at it what do they sell in bars? ALCOHOL and what happens when people get drunk and have guns? Their tempers get short and there will be more shootings in bars because Jim Bob dances witl Carl's wife and Carl is drunk and he pulls his gun and shoots Jim Bob and several others by accident in that bar?

"Their tempers get short and there will be more shootings in bars because Jim Bob dances witl Carl's wife and Carl is drunk and he pulls his gun and shoots Jim Bob and several others by accident in that bar?"

Virginia- Even with the new expanded gun laws there is places I don't feel you should be able to carry a gun NO MATTER what the new law says Like a bar, court house, city hall, a bank, OR church? I still won't carry a gun in church OUT OF RESPECT for God's House AND carrying a gun in a bar is just STUPID? Every Firearms training course I have taken or heard of STATES DON'T drink Alcohol OR take drugs while shooting a firearm and then they are saying it is Ok. to take a gun in a bar where people are goint to be drinking Alcohol and possiblely taking drugs?

Zach Mitcham presents this issue quite fully. The only thing he didn't say is that the NRA has drummed up this issue even louder in order to sell ever more firearms to extremist machoistic males with way too much testosterone. And those with too little cover it up by arming themselves and talking big about all their guns with great bravado. The world would be a lot more peaceful if there was a way to turn down the testosterone levels of all males on the planet. This latest Georgia action is nothing more than pandering for votes at the expense of the average citizen.

I was agreeing with your assessment of the NRA's drumming up business until it took the direction of the rantings of a bitter woman. Actually, I've seen men and women both trying to buy up every box of ammo on hand in stores, while talking about the impending govt-orchestrated gun seizing. They should all go back home and put their tinfoil hats back on. Makes it nearly impossible for the average hunter/recreational shooter to find a box of ammo. Sorry, but testosterone plays less of a role than a combination of simple minds and paranoia. To echo Zach, the thought of having to take another life is an unsavory, chilling thought; one that would haunt me. However I, and my wife both (her lacking testosterone and all, ya know), would not hesitate should that be the only course of action in protecting our family.

Anonymous- Look I am a man ALL man BUT I'm going to let you in on a little secret on bitter women? ANY WOMAN can and WILL become bitter if someone makes STUPID comments like you and SwampFox? I believe in telling it like it is and if a woman is bitter THEN someone had to make her that way and it was probably a man? I know as a man WE drive women crazy AND women drive us men crazy? SO it goes both ways.

Ms.K- I know you may not believe this BUT there are men out there like SwampFox who think ALL women are bitter I guess because they were born a woman? BUT the TRUTH is all the women I know that are bitter are that way because SOMEONE made them bitter.

SwampFox- "You don't recall saying such"? Well go back and read the comment YOU posted at #4.1 "I was agreeing with your assessment of the NRA's drumming up business until it took the direction of the rantings of a bitter woman. Actually, I've seen men and women both trying to buy up every box of ammo on hand in stores, while talking about the impending govt-orchestrated gun seizing. They should all go back home and put their tinfoil hats back on. Makes it nearly impossible for the average hunter/recreational shooter to find a box of ammo. Sorry, but testosterone plays less of a role than a combination of simple minds and paranoia. To echo Zach, the thought of having to take another life is an unsavory, chilling thought; one that would haunt me. However I, and my wife both (her lacking testosterone and all, ya know), would not hesitate should that be the only course of action in protecting our family.and comment" #4.1.1.3: "For starters, you come across as overly sexist. The gun topic merely gives you an open window to express your apparent disdain for males. While your "turn down the testosterone of all the males on the planet" was good for a laugh, it also exposed your irrational logic. Besides, someone of your extraordinary intelligence should know that some males suffer from low ("turned down"), sometimes almost non-existent, testosterone; making your suggestion even more ludicrous. That's what happens when you let emotions and biases get in the way of reasoning".YOU see that's the good thing about the comments being posted where EVERYONE can see them because IF you say something STUPID and later you try to say that you didn't say it someone can call you out on it? SO you could learn a lesson that I have been learning AND I used to be like you AND say what was on my mind AND I have always had a problem if a thought pops in my head I said it BUT NOW I am getting better BUT YOU have NO right to call ANYONE SEXIST because you sound to me like the one who is SEXIST?

Soooo, in all of that, again tell me where I said I think all women are bitter? You took the time to copy and paste everything I typed (and trust me, I'm perfectly capable of remembering my statements) yet you still haven't proven anything. As for your belief that I'm a sexist, you're entitled to your opinion...and that's honestly all it amounts to. My wife and I share mutual respect and view one another as equals...but I guess that sounds sexist, doesn't it?

For starters, you come across as overly sexist. The gun topic merely gives you an open window to express your apparent disdain for males. While your "turn down the testosterone of all the males on the planet" was good for a laugh, it also exposed your irrational logic. Besides, someone of your extraordinary intelligence should know that some males suffer from low ("turned down"), sometimes almost non-existent, testosterone; making your suggestion even more ludicrous. That's what happens when you let emotions and biases get in the way of reasoning.

Ms.K- While you may be right about the hard core extremist I haven't thought about going out and buying more guns BUT it's nice to know I can keep and carry the guns I have AND that I can protect my property at all cost.
AND what I don't get is the people wanting to take our guns say by outlawing guns it will stop all the mass shootings? If they outlaw guns does anybody think the people doing these shootings is just going to walk up and turn their guns in?

Few people are suggesting that government take anyone's guns away. That's an extremist view. There's probably some benefit to society in some regulations (already on the books)regarding mental illness, suicide, protection of children and such, but at this point there is no point in trying to limit gun deaths by limiting guns. Firearms are everywhere and can be easily gotten anywhere by anyone (legally or not), within this country or outside of it. Our problem is our culture.

Ms.K- I agree the problem is our culture NOT guns BUT I disagree with you that the government wants to take our guns? That's what Obama and his Gang of Gun Grabbers wanted to do. They think by outlawing guns it will STOP ALL the gun violence? People wanting to kill a bunch of people will steal a gun OR think of more creative ways
to carry out their plan? Like building a bomb and setting it off in a public place, that way instead of killing 5 with a gun they can kill 30 with a bomb?

Double B- ARE you really this DUMB? After all the school shootings AND the death of Trayvon Martin Obama started the ball rolling and started backing the people wanting to OUTLAW guns? AND the way I was raised YOU don't have to stand up and yell louder than anyone else that you want something done BUT IF you are supporting and backing the people who are screaming loudly YOU want it too? Obama wants it he is just letting someone else jump in the Fire? BUT let me ask you a question? Did he ONCE stand up and say GUNS are not the problem?

You just went on a long rant as usual and didn't give me one example on one thing he did. I know you hate him, but sadly you don't even know why. Obama has not proposed one bill to ban any guns of any type. George W Bush did many times an not a peep in that 8 years about how he wanted your guns. Face it if the gun manufator tells you to be afraid and buy guys you will listen because using your brain is to difficult. I'll leave you the link to all the bills about guns Bush proposed http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/George_W__Bush_Gun_Control.htm

Double B- You are either Blind, Can't hear, OR just dumb? I haven't decided yet. Did you not hear Obama say he would pass bills WITHOUT Congress using his Exective orders when all the school shootings were happening? He said to many guns were the problem AND by having some of his Lackies say IF the government could control the number of guns on the street it would stop all the mass shootings? BUT you say you know I "HATE" him and I don't even know why I hate him? AND I wouldn't say I hate him because MY God tells me it's wrong to hate people and he tells US to love everyone EVEN YOU DOUBLE B. BUT I will tell you WHY I don't like him AND WHY he's NOT a good President:
1.I am disabled due to a car accident and I draw a Social Security check AND since Obama has been elected President Social Security hasn't gotten BUT ONE raise AND the ONLY reason WE got it before the last election was so he could get elected again.
2. When he was elected the first time HE was against same sex marriage BUT before the last election HE had a change of heart? IT was wrong when Jesus walked the Earth, IT'S wrong today, and IF the world stands another 1000 years IT WILL BE WRONG THEN TOO.
3. AND while he is telling EVERYONE in America WE need to tighten OUR belts BECAUSE the Economy is SO bad HE(Your President)goes off and spends 20 Million Dollars on a vacation THAT WE the tax payers PAID FOR. He is not leading this country by example?

Redneck your 3 examples are all republican caused. Social security disability is what republicans are calling a entitlement and want to cut because they spent it all and they have stop all votes on an increase. As long as marriage is performed and regulated by the government religion has nothing to do with it the constitution says so isn't that the piece of paper republicans keep thumping. Vacation days lol do some research Bush spend 800 days on holiday of his 8 years in office on vacation and spent over 550 million doing so Obama has spent 94 days on holiday. Just admit it you don't like him because he is black because you have no other factual information. Also for executive orders Bush 274 Obama 155 hmm seems pretty close to the same. I'm not saying obamas a good president I'm just saying if you're going to bad mouth someone have real reasons or else you just sound ignorant.

Double B- Listen here I DON'T care if Obama's GREEN. You say all the stuff going on with Social Security is the Republicans doing ALL this? BUT doesn't Obama as the president have the OPTION to sign the Bill into LAW OR reject it? You try to make it sound like Obama is ALL for Social Security and the VA? BUT NO MATTER WHO thinks up the new laws Obama has to agree with it and like it before he signs it into law. Let's flip it around and didn't Obama SAY there was certain laws he would pass NO MATTER what Congress said or how they felt about it?

President Obama has AG Holder to pressure banks to not lend money to business that buy and sale guns to the public.
Democrats routinely call for tighter gun control in Congress.
During a terrible hurricane in New Orleans guns were taken by force from citizens when they needed them the most because of looting.

Christopher- I agree with you Obama AIN'T going to do NOTHING himself? He has others do it for him that way if it turns out good and people are giving praise HE can say WELL it was MY ideal BUT IF it don't work out and the people are looking for someone to blame and hang for it? Obama can step back and say I told them NOT to do it and he can step back and let the FALL GUY get raked over the coals?

In the 2012 presidential debates, Obama and Romney said the same thing when asked about guns: we already have enough laws on the books, and we should just try to enforce what we already have. Obama ain't trying to take your guns.

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